Key takeaways Plan for success by building a business plan, putting together a budget and saving enough money to launch. Separate your business and personal finances by opening a business bank account and choosing business credit cards with useful benefits. Stay on top of your finances with…
Key takeaways Brand loyalty to certain credit cards or issuers can limit your rewards earning potential. Use multiple cards to maximize rewards rates, which might involve switching cards or using different cards for different types of spending. Understand the redemption options for each of your cards to get the most…
Key takeaways Both a line of credit and a credit card are types of revolving credit where you can borrow up to a certain amount and only pay interest on what you borrow. A line of credit typically has a lower APR and a higher credit limit than a credit…
Key takeaways Lying on a credit card application is fraud and can have serious legal consequences. You shouldn’t need to lie to qualify for a credit card because there are cards available for all types of financial circumstances, including for those with poor or non-existent credit, as well as for…
Personal Finance
Apple, FedEx and Oracle all got loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration. But rules and red tape keep many…
While there has been much conversation on not buying from companies with poor diversity, little has been said about investing…
The Trump administration has been rapidly dismantling protections for student loan borrowers, leaving millions of Americans with diminishing options as…
Featured Articles
Key takeaways The typical mortgage payment doubled between 2020 and 2024, while today’s new homes are smaller than they have been in more than 10 years. Experts caution that home size isn’t always the best measure of value, especially in competitive markets with rising home…
Dept Managmnt
Key takeaways To pay off debt, you need to know how much you owe, how much you’re spending and where you can cut…
Banking
In my last column, I likened artificial intelligence to the wizard in “The Wizard of Oz.” It received a good reaction so I…
Credit Cards

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Today credit cards have become an essential financial tool, offering convenience and the ability to make purchases without immediate cash on hand. However, with this convenience comes the risk of accumulating debt that can quickly spiral out of control. Understanding how much credit card debt is considered too much is…
This has certainly been the year for investors who want to try their hand at the “buy-the-dip” strategy. Even if you missed the most recent opportunity to take advantage of fire-sale prices on stocks, you’ll likely get another shot. (See also: Ongoing market volatility.) Are you ready? Like, really ready? Because jumping…
PixeloneStocker/Getty Images Key takeaways Tariffs are taxes on imported goods that are paid by the importer, used by the government to protect domestic industries, generate revenue and provide a negotiation point with foreign countries. Tariffs have the potential to increase prices, shift supply chains and stimulate domestic production and industry. …
You’ve likely noticed the IRS withholds a portion of your paycheck before it ever reaches your bank account. This is due to withholding tax, a system the IRS uses to collect income tax throughout the year. Whether you’re an employee trying to fine-tune your paycheck or a business owner handling…
Deciding when to claim Social Security can be one of the most important retirement decisions you’ll make. Delaying your benefits can result in higher monthly payments. But there are many reasons you might choose to take Social Security earlier — as soon as age 62. Early retirement, health concerns or…
Credit Sesame’s personal finance news roundup for May 3, 2025. Stories, news, politics and events impacting personal finance during the past week. Job growth slows in April 2025Economy contracts in Q1 for first time in three yearsFed eases up on bank crypto rulesMoody’s downgrades D.C. credit ratingTariff impact expected to…
Donald J. Trump has officially been sworn in as the 47th president of the United States, and he’s made some pretty big promises about what he’s going to do to help the economy. Some might even call them . . . yuge promises. (Okay, I’m done.) Now, here’s the deal:…
Struggling with credit card debt can be overwhelming, especially when high-interest rates make it difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel. However, finding ways to make extra money can accelerate your debt repayment and bring you closer to financial freedom. Here are some practical and effective…
Key takeaways U.S. savings bonds are zero-coupon bonds issued by the Treasury and backed by the U.S. government, making them one of the safest investment options available. Series EE bonds currently earn 2.70 percent annually, while Series I bonds earn 3.98 percent and provide inflation protection through adjustable rates. Savings…
An individual retirement account (IRA) is one of the most popular ways to invest for retirement. Not only are you saving for your future, but you’re also getting a generous tax advantage to do so, courtesy of the U.S. government. If you’re looking to get off to a fast start…
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